Enteric bacterial contamination of public restrooms

ALBANY, NY — There are a myriad of surfaces that could potentially become contaminated with enteric microorganisms during normal use, according to a study.

The study, featured on the Cleaning Industry Research Institute website, analyzed three types of public restrooms: High-traffic (airports, bus terminals, educational institutions), hospital and food service, the study stated.

Data was analyzed based by descriptive categories in which all of the restrooms were located and the relative degree of contamination was determined in male and female restrooms as well as comparing differences in contamination among restrooms located in high-traffic, hospital, and food service settings, the study noted.

A comparison between the relative cleanliness of male and female restrooms showed that male restrooms were 1.5 times "cleaner" overall (1.5 times less total coliform contamination) and that female restrooms were contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli)